William Blackwelder
William “W.O.” Blackwelder, 89, of Middleburg died at his home Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Christine (Taylor) Blackwelder; his second wife, Joenell (Wilkinson) Blackwelder; and a brother, Samuel Blackwelder.
Survivors are his sister, Cybil Gene Douglas of Worthington Springs; stepson, William Daniel (Joanne) Thompson of Deltona, and numerous extended family members.
Visitation will be at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Saturday, Jan. 7, beginning at 12 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Harry Conaway and Pastor Kermit Mathews officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Amos Beutke
Amos Anderson Beutke passed away at his Alachua home on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, from pancreatic cancer. Born at his family’s farmhouse in 1939 to Fred and Theresa Beutke, Amos was a lifelong resident of Alachua. He was part of Santa Fe High School’s first graduating class in 1957, where he was an active FFA member and earned the American Farmer Degree. He worked at the U.F. Dairy until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 during the Vietnam War. He served two years on active duty in Stuttgart, Germany and was in the Army Reserve for four years. He started as a lineman for the Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1964 and worked for the company, which later became BellSouth, for 38 years until his retirement as an assistant manager in 2002. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Alachua. Known for his sense of humor and the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met, he enjoyed farming, woodworking, and restoring historic tractors. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; and a sister, Vada Horner.
He is survived by his daughter Allyson (David) DeVito of Lexington, Kentucky; son, Jason (Kristen) of Brooker; grandchildren, Judson, Adley, Haddon, and Makayla Beutke; sister, Naomi Lundy of Eustis; and two nephews and their families.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 6, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Westarea, 823 NW. 143rd St. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Newnansville Cemetery with Pastor Fred Lundy officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Santa Fe FFA Alumni, 16213 NW US 441, Alachua, 32615. Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com. For Further information contact, Williams-Thomas, Westarea, 352-376-7556.
PAID OBITUARY
Chantel Castro
Chantel Leann Castro, 20, of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, near Keystone Heights due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born in West Palm Beach and had been a resident of Keystone Heights for the past 17 years. She had attended the Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School, where she enjoyed playing volleyball. She later graduated as a home- schooled student. She had attended the First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights. She enjoyed her dance classes and recitals with the Star Quality Dance and Cheer Center in Keystone Heights. She was bubbly, full of life, and a free- spirited, young lady. She had an infectious smile and laugh that will never be forgotten.
Surviving are her parents, Bambi and Carlito Hernandez of Keystone Heights; her maternal grandmother, Cindy Crawford of Keystone Heights; her maternal grandparents, Roland and Diana Crawford of Loxahatchee; her great-grandmother, Jackie King of Keystone Heights; two brothers, Rashaun Hernandez and Caydon Hernandez, both of Keystone Heights; and a sister, Carlina Hernandez of Keystone Heights.
Her Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Dec. 31, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka. Burial followed at the Etoniah Cemetery in Bardin. Friends may sign the online register at www.themastersfuneralhomes.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka was in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY
Wesley Civils
Wesley Allen Civils, 88, of Raiford, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at Catie’s Hospice House, Ocala, after an extended illness. He was born on July 25, 1934, in Dover, North Carolina to Lonnie and Minnie Civils. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Raiford and a veteran of the United States Army. He was a master electrician and worked in construction most of his life. He was also an avid hunter and liked to fish. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather to all. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Deloris Conner Civils.
Survivors include his sons, Wesley (Donna) Davis and Leslie Davis, both of North Carolina; daughter, Margaret Davis of North Carolina; stepdaughter, Hilda (J. R.) McLeod of Raiford; a sibling, Faye Jones of North Carolina; one grandson, Eric David of North Carolina; eight stepgrandchildren, 12 stepgreat-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church, Raiford, on Thursday, Dec. 29, with Rev. Tommy Smith officiating. Interment followed at Conner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Ocala.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Randal Chitty
Randal (Randy) F. Chitty, 65, of Winter Park, passed away very peacefully, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 22, 1957, in Starke. He graduated from Bradford High School with honors in 1975 and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in business administration and finance. He met the love of his life, Candi, in 1984, and they were married in 1986. He began his career working for RCA in Jacksonville, and then moved into the energy business as East Coast Sales and Marketing Director for Heritage Propane. He and Candi founded two successful companies. In 2001, they founded their Quality First Healthcare Consulting, Inc., and in 2008 they started their second companion company, Quality First Management Solutions, Inc. He was one of those people who was easy to like, easy to talk to, and an encourager, a servant of Jesus Christ, with no pretense and just an authentic person. He was generous, fun loving, and kind. Both he and his wife had a zest for life, loved adventure, and traveled to exotic places and islands. In their younger married life they toured the United States and parts of Europe on their Harley motorcycles. They also enjoyed participating in the Foreign Student Exchange Program. During different years, they hosted students who were from Germany, France, and Austria, who lived with them and attended high school for a year. He loved spending time with his extended family and friends. He lived and experienced life to the fullest and got the most out of each day. His friends and family often spoke of him as a fantastic guy and, certainly, one of a kind. He requested that a funeral not be held, but instead, that a “Celebration” of his life, and his future Heavenly life, be held for his family and friends. He requested that flowers be omitted, but those wishing to would consider making a donation to a Christian ministry that was close to his heart that he supported. In 2003, he had the opportunity to travel to Russia with his pastor of the Switzerland Community Church, to teach Christian principals in business. It was one of his most memorable Christian outreach missions. It is the Slough Ministries International (SMI), 341 West Adelaide Drive, St. Johns, 32259. Donations can be made in his honor. Another ministry that he and Candi favored and supported was Gina’s Blessings, a ministry of Bill & Tina McRae, 6079 Kingsley Lake Drive, Starke 32091. This ministry was started in honor of Tina’s twin sister, Gina, who died of metastatic colon cancer. which was the same disease that took Randy’s life. He was preceded in death by his father, Randal F. Chitty.
He is survived by his wife, Candi J. Chitty; his mother, Joan Chitty Rogers; daughter, Erin E. (Juan) Varela; grandchildren, J. C. Varela, Sofia Varela and Gabrielle Varela; sisters, Karen (John) Woody and Sandra Anderson; four nieces; one nephew; and six great- nieces and nephews.
PAID OBITUARY
Patrick Crews
Patrick G. Crews, 61, passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. Born Jan. 29, 1961, to John F. and Georgette D. Crews, he was a lifelong resident of Lake Butler. He has been a dedicated employee of West Fraser (formerly Gilman’s) Timber Company for almost 40 years. He married his middle school sweetheart, Danita Gibbs, in 1979, and they have had a fulfilling 43 years together. He and Danita enjoyed traveling all over the country, camping, and going on cruises. He also enjoyed fishing, watching Gator football, and firing up the grill. He loved a project and was a handy man around the house. His favorite task was being “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren. It was unusual for him to miss any game or event that they were participating in. He had a big heart and the love he had for his family and friends will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Georgette Crews; and his brothers, John Allen Crews and Eric Deligne Crews.
He is survived by his loving wife, Danita Crews; his children, Anna-Marie Carra (Keith) Kirby, Amanda Rae Crews, and Austin Taylor Crews all of Lake Butler; his grandchildren, Raegyn Kirby, Morgyn Kirby, Daelan Courson, Keigyn Lei Kirby, Kynleigh Hurst, and Kannon Hurst; his sister, Linda (Frank) Taylor of Macclenny; sister-in-law, Phyllis Crews-Hall of Lake City; and a host of extended family and friends.
A service to honor him will be held at First Christian Church, Lake Butler on Friday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral at Crews Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Eric Davis
Eric DeWayne Davis, 45, of Starke passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. He was born Jan. 13, 1977, in Jacksonville. He was the owner and operator of Davis Tile and was an expert tile setter. He attended Calvary Baptist Church and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed traveling and, especially, taking cruises. He was preceded in death by his parents Ansel E. and Theda (Moseley) Davis Sr.; a brother, Ansel “Buddy” Davis Jr.; and Theresa Harris (his birth mom).
Survivors are his wife, Jennifer (Swanson) Davis of Starke; children, Jacob Davis, Kaleb Davis, Josh Davis, all of Starke, DeAnna Davis of Orange Park, and Jonathan Davis, also of Starke. Also left behind are his siblings, Mike (Susan) Davis of North Carolina, Jeff (Lisa) Davis of South Carolina, Michael (Virginia) Harris and Debbie (Fred) Wetzel, both of of Clay Hill and Ashley (Todd) Icard, of Keystone Heights; his father-in-law, Bobby Swanson of Starke; a sister-in-law, Susan Davis of Clay Hill; stepdad, Mike Harris of Maxville; and his beloved dog, “Gator.”
Memorial Services were held on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Dewitt C. Jones Chapel with Pastor DeWayne Jowers officiating.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Harry Hopkins Jr.
Harry “Big Hank” Hopkins Jr., 71, of Keystone Heights passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Middleburg following a brief illness. He was born Feb. 23, 1951, in Albany, New York to the late Harry and Isabelle “Bonnie” (Bosworth) Hopkins Sr. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was retired as a New York State Corrections Peace Officer. He was not only an avid Harley motorcycle rider for his entire life, but he was also known for his many talents including mechanical, construction, and home repairs, including building his own home. He shared his talents with all of his family and friends. His additional hobbies included traveling, coin collecting, “fishing,” hunting, card playing, football, and playing pool. He was very patriotic and loyal and had great respect for the United States of America, but most of all, he loved being with and sharing time with his family and friends.
His survivors are his wife of 55 years, Jeanie (Havnen) Hopkins of Keystone Heights; their children, Harry Hopkins III, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Erica Bassett of Keystone Heights; along with siblings, Cynthia (Joseph) Riener, Robert (Mary) Hopkins, Guy (Dawn) Changa, Michael (Teresa) Changa; and his spouse’s family. He was also lovingly called “Papa” by four grandchildren and two grea-grandchildren.
A local church service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Melrose on Saturday, Jan. 7, and then a Celebration of Life will be in New York on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Frederick Killin
Frederick Allen Killin, 76, of Keystone Heights died in Georgia on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. He was born Nov. 21, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Ernest A. Killin and Rose (Wingate) Booth. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Nelson I. Booth.
He is survived by his sister, Jackie (Samuel) Robinson of Jacksonville; nieces, Jennifer Young and Rene’ Brigman; and one nephew, Jay Blake Jr.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 5. Interment will be at the Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Betty Millican
Betty Millican, 92, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, following an extended illness. She was born Sept. 11, 1930, in Putnam County to Dolphus and Gladys (Young) Turner. In 1949 she married the love of her life, Tommy Millican, and they began building their lives in the Keystone Heights community. For 73 years, theirs was a love story filled with devotion to each other, their family and community. She was a loving mother to her daughter, Vanessa, and son, Ross, She was actively involved in their lives and was their most loyal cheerleader. She adored her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, treasuring the memories made with each of them. She deeply valued the relationship with her siblings and found great joy in spending time with them. She was a faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church for 70 years, serving in various ministries. For all those who knew her, she was a friendly, graceful and generous lady with a quick wit and a clever sense of humor. She had the gift of making everyone feel special. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her brother, William Turner; and sisters, Carolyn Hunt, Doris Taylor, and Dorothy Hennies.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Tommy Millican; and their two children, Vanessa (Ernie) Triest of Theressa and Ross (Patti) Millican of Fleming Island; grandchildren, Amy Triest Davis, Thomas Ross (Courtney) Millican, Emma Elizabeth (Ty) Corfield, and Audrey Raye Millican; and great-grandchildren, Jenna Louise Moss and Eleanor Mae Millican; siblings, Junior Turner, Hilda Kersey, Charlotte Hersey, Barbara Shaw, Lana Dowdy; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan 3, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Prose officiating. Interment followed at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Williams
Mary Virginia Williams, 84, of Worthington Springs, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. She was born May 21, 1938, in Lake Butler to Angus S. and Sarah Virginia Bielling of Lake Butler. She graduated in 1956 as Valedictorian from Union County High School and attended Stetson University in Deland. She grew up on the family dairy farm in Union County. She married the love of her life, Walter Franklin Williams, of Worthington Springs on Sept. 8, 1957. She and Walter lived, farmed, and raised their four sons in Worthington Springs. They opened Williams Town and Country, a full-service gas station, in 1971, and Williams L.P. Gas in 1983, where she continued to work until she went to be with her Lord. She was a lifetime member of Sardis Baptist Church. She was a woman of faith, who had a gentle and quiet spirit. She loved her family and always had a smile on her face. She was preceded in death by her parents, Angus and Virginia Bielling; her husband, Walter; and two sons, Jeffrey and Leslie.
She is survived by sons, Doyle (Melissa) Williams of Lake Butler and Karl (Pam) Williams of Worthington Springs; nine grandchildren, Christine (Elizabeth) Everson, Eric (Marla) Williams, Meagan Collins, Katie (Austin) Thomas, Allen (Laurie) Williams, Nicholas (Megan) McSweeney, Kyle (Emma) Collins, Jordan (Grace) Williams and Brooklyn Williams; and 16 great-grandchildren.
A service was held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Sardis Baptist Church. She was laid to rest at Elzey Chapel Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lucy Wright
Lucy L. Wright, 93, of Starke died at her home on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her siblings, Donald Wright Jr., Flossie Steele, and Andrew L. Wright.
Survivors are her children, Rhonda (Joseph) Sikes and Donna King, both of Starke, William (Peggy) Wright of Callahan, Sandra (Paul) Daniels of Ohio and Ernest (Jill) Padgett of Virginia; and many extended family members.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St, Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
